Nowadays, the Old City of Hebron, which is a historic and symbolic center in the West Bank, is home to both Israeli settlers and Palestinians. The city is deeply divided, with Israeli military control and settlements disrupting the daily lives of Palestinian residents. The Israeli military presence and restrictions have had many effects on the Palestinian population in this ancient city, making it a difficult place to live, work, and sustain a livelihood.
Divided City: H1 and H2
Hebron is divided into two distinct areas under the 1997 Hebron Protocol: H1, controlled by the Palestinian Authority, and H2, where Israel maintains military control. This makes Hebron one of the only places in the West Bank where Israeli settlers live in the heart of a Palestinian urban area, under the protection of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). In the H2 zone, Palestinians face strict movement restrictions. Many key streets, like Al-Shuhada Street, are closed to Palestinian pedestrians and vehicles. Israeli settlers, however, move freely within the restricted areas, guarded by military forces. This disparity is justified by Israeli authorities as a necessary measure to ensure the security of settlers, but it has created severe limitations for the local Palestinian population.
Daily Life: Checkpoints, Raids, and Curfews
The Israeli military presence includes dozens of checkpoints and physical barriers. These restrictions make everyday activities, like going to school, work, or the market, a hard challenge. Palestinian residents must pass through numerous checkpoints, where they are subjected to searches, delays, and sometimes harassment. Additionally, the military frequently conducts raids and home searches in the area, which can involve property damage, intimidation, and arrests. These actions have led to regular confrontations between Palestinians and the Israeli army, often escalating into violent clashes.
Palestinian Shops: A Struggle for Survival
One of the most visible effects of the occupation and military control is the closure of many Palestinian shops in the Old City. The vibrant souks that once characterized the area have been largely silenced, since many shops were forced to shut down. However, some Palestinian shops continue to operate, even if at times they could be subjected to attacks or harassment by Israeli settlers. Settlers have taken over some Palestinian shops and properties in the Old City, further accelerating the displacement of Palestinian residents.
A City Divided into Two Worlds
Hebron’s Old City has become a symbol of the division and conflict between Palestinians and Israelis. The strict separation policies enforced by the Israeli military have created a city divided into two worlds: one where settlers live under military protection with relative freedom of movement and another in which Palestinians live under constant surveillance and restriction. Life for Palestinians in Hebron remains difficult. The few Palestinians who remain in the Old City continue to face an unpredictable future, as their businesses struggle to survive, and their homes are subjected to military raids and settler harassment. The situation in the Old City of Hebron is a mix of military occupation, settler activity, and Palestinian resistance to displacement.